The carpogonium (plural carpogonia) is the female organ in the red algae (Rhodophyta) which have a highly specialized type of reproduction. It contains the reproductive nucleus. It may contain a number of cells usually without chloroplasts. It shows an elongated process which is the receptive organ for the male gametes.[1][2]

Collema crispum A, Carpogonium, c, with its trichogyne t. B, Apex of the trichogyne with the spermatium, s, attached.

It gives birth to the carpospores.[3][4]

It may also have hairlike structures called trichogynes which receive sperm before fertilization takes place.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Dixon, P.S. and Irvine, L.M. 1977. Seaweeds of the British Isles. Volume 1 Rhodophyta Part 1 British Museum (Natural History) ISBN 0 565 00781 5
  2. ^ Round, F.E. 1966. The Biology of the Algae. Edward Arnold Ltd
  3. ^ "Carpogonium - Define Carpogonium at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.com. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  4. ^ "Carpogonium – Definition of Carpogonium by Merriam-Webster". Merriam-Webster. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  5. ^ "trichogyne". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 14 September 2017. Dictionary.com http://www.dictionary.com/browse/trichogyne Archived 14 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine